Al Markhiya had strengthened their forward line in the current transfer window by recruiting Brazilian attacking midfielder Eric de Oliveira as replacement for Ghanaian striker Kwame Karikari, who moved to rivals Al Arabi.

Meanwhile, The Oryxes will miss for almost five weeks the services of captain Bilal Mohammed, who sustained a muscle injury during their 0-1 loss to Qatar SC in Week 13.

Al Markhiya, last in the table with eight points, are up against Al Sailiya in Week 14 of the QNB Stars League on 26th January.